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Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

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tlinn26 Anxiety or Fibro - Very Scared
  • replies: 1

I’ve been experiencing leg aches, neck hotness, back pain, blurry vision, muscle twitches and a tight diaphragm. I am terrified I have fibro. All my tests have come back clean, but of course fibro doesn’t show on such tests. I have always had extreme... View more

I’ve been experiencing leg aches, neck hotness, back pain, blurry vision, muscle twitches and a tight diaphragm. I am terrified I have fibro. All my tests have come back clean, but of course fibro doesn’t show on such tests. I have always had extreme anxiety, depression, panic etc, and over the last 6 months its gotten worse. Through this journey I discovered I have a bulged disc in my neck and lower back, as well as scoliosis and kyphosis. Regardless, I am still so scared I have fibro, as so many of my symptoms line up. I hope it’s just health anxiety and physical manifestations of that.

Elephant86 Aboriganal and Torres strait Islander Blue Flame
  • replies: 1

There is a candle in our community burning pwerful beautiful and bright that is the unity we have as a community to make a difference for aborigganal and Torres strait islanders. We must stand as one nation under the banner of peace and harmony to bu... View more

There is a candle in our community burning pwerful beautiful and bright that is the unity we have as a community to make a difference for aborigganal and Torres strait islanders. We must stand as one nation under the banner of peace and harmony to build a better more prosperous future for those in our community that are disadvantaged and underprivaleged who are struggle to close the gap they also need to better health care and stronger education outcome we can stand agianst the tidel wave and face adversity we have the power and fortitude to change Australia for the better to open the door to new possibilities not close the door on future allies which are the proud Aboriganal nation . This community has beautiful artists with beautiful paintings. There langauges are so diverse that there is more than 150 tribes that exists with in this proud culture. They have different kind of bush foods we can learn and grow many that don't exist on any other continent. We have flora and fauna that don't exist in any other country australian cooking has changed for the better with the introductions of these foods It is important to stand with the down trodden and against predjiduce. This is our 1 chance to change australia for the better and stand against injustice. We can only change tide one stone at a time one grain of rice at a time. People think we don't have the power to change things in life we have a chioce to change derection towards a powerful prosperous future lets stand and walk towards forgivness and peace not towards more difficulty and struggle this is our chance to stand up for injustice and find the strength in our selves to turn the scales. There is a run around Australia that is being done to show the power and derversity of our nation. It is important to know which derection to run in life which path is more powerful and prosperous in life I choose to stand with my brothers and sisters around the country to give them a vioce and an opportunity to rise to there adversity to help them in there time of need and heart break. We must choose to forgive and not look to the past but look at the change we can make for the future to change to a more powerful prosperous future with clean energy possibilities and an opportunity for every person that walks through the door we are all humans with feeling and emotions . I have been discriminated against I am a person of a disability. Hold out your hand and walk with those who need you most and be brave and help

James2018 Not sure if FIBROMYALGIA or ANXIETY....please HELP?
  • replies: 9

Hi everyone New member here - my first day actually. I too suffer health anxiety. people always ask what's bothering you? what causes the anxiety? I know very well it's health issues. Apart from how i feel health wise I have a pretty good life and no... View more

Hi everyone New member here - my first day actually. I too suffer health anxiety. people always ask what's bothering you? what causes the anxiety? I know very well it's health issues. Apart from how i feel health wise I have a pretty good life and nothing I should feel fearful about. I've had Health Anxiety for at least 10 years. Im wondering if its mainly or all anxiety or if it may be FIBORMYALGIA? My symptoms are: * Sore/aching legs, feet * Sore/aching lower back * Sore/aching stomach/pelvis area * Sore/aching and sometimes stinging bladder area * Sore/aching rectum area? THIS CONCERNS ME THE MOST I have had two cystoscopys and a colonoscopy and they found nothing of real interest. Ive had about 10 blood tests recently, urine tests, bone density scans, x rays, ultrasounds etc and nothing is ever found. I do have scoliosis but besides that nothing that can really warrant constant aching day and night. I worry and obsess about it all day and everyday. Does this sound like health anxiety? Does anyone have any tips that WORK....and/or want to talk to me about it via email? Feeling pretty down and hopeless J

Amanda 1956 Past issues causing anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hello I really need to talk to someone During my first marriage I was subjected to the worst kind of cruelty from not only my husband but also from his mother who encouraged him to beat me up sometimes very badly. I was beaten up because my firstborn... View more

Hello I really need to talk to someone During my first marriage I was subjected to the worst kind of cruelty from not only my husband but also from his mother who encouraged him to beat me up sometimes very badly. I was beaten up because my firstborn was a female, not a male like that family wanted, like it was my fault My ex mother in law labeled me unfit as a mother while she beat her sons. She told me I deserved to be beaten up, and to stop complaining She is dead now and so is my first husband but that hasn't stopped the memories of that awful time 4 years I will never get back How do I ever forget that time 40 years ago , I need to move on and I have a wonderful man now in my life but not even he knows the hell I'm going through I may have to go into hospital again, I have a wonderful psychiatrist but I haven't really opened up to him as I couldn't put it into words the torture going on in my head Please can someone advise me ?

Aussie.Girl Advice Please? How to quit job without burning bridges?
  • replies: 5

I have finally decided to leave my job because there is too much pressure to do more, go faster, be perfect etc and I just can't handle it anymore. I am the only employee and work closely with my boss. I had planned to stay until the end of the year ... View more

I have finally decided to leave my job because there is too much pressure to do more, go faster, be perfect etc and I just can't handle it anymore. I am the only employee and work closely with my boss. I had planned to stay until the end of the year (as we haven't started booking for 2024 yet), so there would be no argument from my boss about having too much work for her to handle alone. However, she is already pressuring me about doing extra days and covering for her holiday in April 2024 (which isn't even finalised yet), so I need to tell her I'm leaving ASAP. So that she only books what she can handle for 2024. My boss is the reason I want to leave (one eg. she blames me for everything - even customers turning up late). I don't want to burn bridges though because she is close friends with my ex-boss who I don't want to think badly of me. So what am I supposed to tell her when she asked why I'm leaving?I'm not good with confrontation so I'd like to avoid lying but I can't tell her she's the problem. Also, when would be best to tell her? At the start or end of the week? Thanks in advance for any advice.Please wish me luck... I really don't want to have 'the talk' about quitting but I know I have to leave...

ozziebear Washing day causing great stress
  • replies: 2

I live in a community housing where there are 20 people on my floor with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. I do my washing on a sunday if I can last out that long. I am forever thinking what if I go to do my washing at the equipment is being used. I k... View more

I live in a community housing where there are 20 people on my floor with 2 washing machines and 2 dryers. I do my washing on a sunday if I can last out that long. I am forever thinking what if I go to do my washing at the equipment is being used. I know this is no big deal but its truly ruining my life its all i think about. Please give me some advice

Elephant86 The powerful and loving connection of family
  • replies: 1

There are those times in life where we can't see the candle or the light out of our dark path. We are always guided and protected by the circle of love and the beautiful relationships we have with our family and with those we love and adore you must ... View more

There are those times in life where we can't see the candle or the light out of our dark path. We are always guided and protected by the circle of love and the beautiful relationships we have with our family and with those we love and adore you must always and forever hold your family close and stand unified as one body and one mind. There love is always there to light my path in the darkness so you can find hope and the light where it shines bright like a beacon bringing the ships back to shore in the turbulent turmultious ocean to a peaceful and calm where there is serenity and peace for all who seek it. Jion us on this journey love and compassionate connection. We need to walk together on this beautiful journey towards the sunlight on our boat to a peaceful and more prosperous future. I was at my mum's birthday and said would you like to give a speech I thought about it long and hard then I decided to go in the other derection and I decided to dance and show my skills as a performer and I enjoyed my self listening to the music and laughing and dancing with my wonderful and beautiful family. There is times when you have fear but you must have faith that all will come right. I thought I would walk around my community and have beautiful conversations with everyone and talk to them about there lives and there day always look outside yourself and look at how you can support and show love to other's and the most vunerable in the community and society. It's you that can make a difference to your community and society The power exists within us to step outside ourselves and make a difference to those we love in our society and our community. The power to unify the community is in your hands and remember you have a choice to make an endeminable difference to others the power is in your hands. Leadership is not inherited it is earned through hard work, persiverance and discipline . Remember to treasure and love your family and always be appreciative and ther love and guidance. Show love and share a meal with your family and be the change maker not the destroyer That is how you make a true difference to those you love and care for. Compassionate humanity is always the right pathway and that is the path we need to take to heal and bring peace and harmony to our community. Remember to hug and embrace your family and love them with all your heart. The power comes from being together in society with all the love, joy, laughter. It doesn't matter if you become a comedian because it unifies people us as a society because laughter is the best medicine. Remember to love your family through the difficult times so you can celebrate the great time. This is what I did on the weekend PS I love you and always appreciate those who look after you.

Bella87 Advice for anxiety spiral
  • replies: 1

A month ago I got diagnosed anxiety and depression I had a rough 2 weeks once starting meds and then come out of a cloud feeling better.I then went back to work and am worse than evershaking hot and cold vomiting this is resulting in more anxiety and... View more

A month ago I got diagnosed anxiety and depression I had a rough 2 weeks once starting meds and then come out of a cloud feeling better.I then went back to work and am worse than evershaking hot and cold vomiting this is resulting in more anxiety and loss of appetite. I feel week and stiff all over. Tried breathing and stretching but I only feel better for a little and then anxiety come back. Any suggestions would welcome

StartingOutSlow Life feels overwhelming
  • replies: 4

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home a... View more

I started out life with high functioning anxiety and depression, survived that way until I had my first child and post natal depression (6 years ago). These days I feel like I can still present as high functioning to most people, but inside my home and day to day life I am struggling. I lost the high functioning part in my personal life and now people close to me can see the cracks (really just my husband and kids, not that the kids know what they’re seeing). I get the stuff done that is urgent, like the laundry and groceries, the kids are well cared for, my husband is involved in childcare and chores. But whenever I have a moment with no urgent needs I just end up wasting the time – numbing, scrolling my phone. The list of things that need doing seems never ending, and despite wanting to make progress (like fixing a leaking tap or replacing a light globe) I just can’t seem to find the energy to start. It’s like life is overwhelming and the never ending list of things that need to be repeated every day or week is overwhelming. I know I need to improve my self care, but no matter how hard I try I can’t seem to make progress, I don’t get as much sleep as I need, I don’t eat well unless it involves feeding the kids too, I’m not as active as I’d like to be. I know I will feel better if I improve these things, yet I don’t. I also don’t have enough fun in life, mostly because I don’t know how to have fun, I don’t really know what my hobbies are. For the last couple of years I’ve always talked to my psychiatrist and psychologist as though I’m doing okay, yes I have anxiety but a normal level for things that were happening in life, yes I’m tired but I have a baby. To them I would have presented well with good insight. I really did believe I was doing well, but now I’m not so sure. What is a normal level of anxiety or stress? I see my psychiatrist next week, and a new psychologist in 3 weeks, but I’m not even sure how to explain to them what the problem is. I don’t feel like I can articulate it well. It’s like I want to be better but can’t do the things that I need to do to achieve that because I’m working so hard to stay afloat. Has anyone else had this experience? What helped you?

ozziebear This sounds ridiculous but it is creating great anxiety for me
  • replies: 11

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress ... View more

I know how pathetic this sounds and there is so much more in the world to worry about but I can't get over this issue. I have a 65" smart tv which is now out of warranty Every now and then it goes blank for a few seconds. This is causing such stress and anxiety for me that I hardly watch my tv anymore. I know this sounds so childish and I need to grow up but when it happens I totally fall apart. I wish this did not affect me the way it does. What do I do I can't call for help as it only happens about every 2 weeks. Please don't put me down but any advice on what I should do would be so appreciated it. Should I try to live without a tv perhaps?